HomeMy Public PortalAboutWatertown-Residential Cross ConnectionThe Department of Public
Works delivers safe drinking
water to all residents and
businesses in Watertown. The
Department is responsible
for proper maintenance and
testing to insure that water
meets all of the strict stan-
dards established by state
and federal regulations.
Residents and other users
Prevent Cross -connections and Backflow
What is a Cross -connection?
A cross -connection is a connection between the
drinking water system and a source of pollution.
Pollution sources can be found in many places in
your home, including pools, tubs, lawn irrigation
system, boilers, auxiliary wells, solar heat systems,
fire sprinklers, and pesticide spray applicators.
Over half of cross -connections in the United States
involve unprotected garden hoses.
What is Backflow?
Backflow can occur during a loss of pressure in the water distribution
system such as when large amounts of water are used to fight a fire or
during a main break. The loss of pressure can create a vacuum that can
pull water through cross -connections into the drinking water system.
Examples of Cross -Connections and Backflow
also have a responsibility to
Filling a wading pool with the end of the
keep our water safe. The best
hose submerged. A loss in pressure can
way to protect our water is
cause the pool water to flow back into the
by preventing cross-connec-
drinking water system. Solution —Install a
tions and backflow.
low cost vacuum breaker on the hose bib
Vacuum breaker shown installed on
hose bib connection.
connection and do not submerge hose
when filling pool.
Applying fertilizer to lawn using a sprayer on a garden hose. A loss of
pressure can cause the fertilizer to flow back into the drinking water
system. Solution —Install a low cost vacuum breaker on the hose bib
connection.
What can you do to help?
• Install low cost vacuum breakers on all inside and out-
side hose connections. Vacuum breakers are available
at most local hardware stores and plumbing supply
companies. The typical cost is less than $10 and they
can be installed in just a few minutes. Vacuum breaker
• Keep the end of hoses clear of potential contaminants —maintain an
"air gap"
• Have lawn irrigation systems checked and backflow devices tested
annually.
• Use double check valve assemblies and reduced pressure backflow
devices where appropriate to prevent backflow from building
sprinklers, boilers, etc.
• When in doubt contact the water department or plumbing
inspector.
Don't fill a
wading pool
with the end
of the hose
submerged.
air gap
Do install a vacuum
breaker on the hose bib
connection and leave
an air gap between the
hose and pool.
vacuum
breaker
Prevent Cross -connections
and Backflow
vacuum
breaker
Do Install a vacuum
breaker on the hose
bib connection when
papplying fertilizer to
fertilizer
lawn using a sprayer
Y
on a garden hose
This Program is sponsored by:
Town of Watertown, Department of Public Works
124 Orchard Street, Watertown, MA 02472
For Additional Information call us
at 617-972-6420
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